Since the first demonstrations in Tunisia in December 2010, a wave of popular discontent has shaken the Arab world, with people calling for dignity, democracy, and social justice. Despite the unexpected magnitude of these uprisings, the EU has been quick to recognise the challenges of the political and economic transition and the need to adopt a new approach to relations with its Southern neighbours.

The EU's strategic response to the Arab Spring came as early as 8 March 2011, with the joint communication of the High Representative/Vice President (HR/VP) Catherine Ashton and the Commission proposing "A partnership for democracy and shared prosperity with the Southern Mediterranean ".

This communication stresses the need for the EU to support wholeheartedly the demand for political participation, dignity, freedom and employment opportunities, and sets out an approach based on the respect of universal values and shared interests.

It also proposes the "more for more" principle, under which increased support in terms of financial assistance, enhanced mobility, and access to the EU Single Market is to be made available, on the basis of mutual accountability, to those partner countries most advanced in the consolidation of reforms. This approach was further elaborated in another joint communication on 25 May which initiated the launch of "A new response to a changing Neighbourhood".

The EU is committed both in the short and long term to help its partners address in particular two main challenges:

• First, to build “deep democracy”, i.e. not only writing democratic constitutions and conducting free and fair elections, but creating and sustaining an independent judiciary, a thriving free press, a dynamic civil society and all other characteristics of a mature functioning democracy.
• Second, to ensure inclusive and sustainable economic growth and development, without which democracy will not take root. A particular challenge is to ensure strong job creation.

While recognising a number of challenges that are common to all partner countries, the EU will support each country on a differentiated basis, thus ensuring individual needs and priorities are accounted for. EU support already focuses on the "3 Ms" – Money, Mobility and Markets – in line with the needs expressed by our Southern neighbours:

1. Money:  In addition to over €153 million of humanitarian aid (together with its Member States), the EU undertook to make available up to a further €1.2 billion to the Neighbourhood for the period 2011-2013, created more flexible support programmes and facilitated the granting of loans by European financial institutions. In its budget proposals for the period 2014-2020, the European Commission recommends to allocate more than €18.1 billion to support the 16 partner countries of the Neighbourhood (both East and South), which represents a 40% increase compared to the financial support of the period 2007-2013;
2. Mobility: mobility to the EU will be facilitated for citizens of partner countries, in particular through more university scholarships and 'mobility partnerships' (including visa facilitation);
3. Markets: the EU intends to improve market access as well as the progressive integration of the economies of these partners into the EU single market.

The appointment of a EU Special Representative for the Southern Mediterranean, Bernardino León, enhances political dialogue with our Southern neighbours and helps ensure optimal coordination of efforts among the EU institutions, EU member states, relevant financial institutions and the private sector.

A major priority has been to strengthen support to and cooperation with the civil society organisations, as they have a key role in improving governance and making governments accountable. Civil society in all its components (NGOs, universities, think tanks, media), together with parliaments and Constituent assemblies, will be essential in shaping the future of the region. Women and youth will have an important role to play in this regard, and the EU is launching concrete projects to support their active participation in the political and economic life.

Read The EU's response to the 'Arab Spring'for a comprehensive description of the overall EU assistance to the region and to each individual country.